US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed the country is collecting $2 billion per day from tariffs, but government data indicates the actual figure is far lower.
Speaking at an event at the White House, Trump offered no specifics to back his statement. Since taking office, the former president has levied a wide range of tariffs on goods from multiple countries, citing efforts to protect American industry and reduce the trade deficit.
However, the U.S. Treasury Department’s records show a more modest intake. According to the department’s daily statement of deposits and withdrawals from the federal government’s general account, revenue from “Customs and Certain Excise Taxes” has averaged about $200 million per day so far this month.
In February, the most recent full month with available data, customs duties brought in a total of $7.25 billion—far short of Trump’s $2 billion daily estimate. The Treasury’s monthly budget statement for March, due on Thursday, is expected to provide updated figures.
Trump’s tariff policies have long sparked debate among economists, with some arguing they place a burden on American consumers and businesses, while others support the approach as a necessary tool for negotiating better trade terms.
As Trump continues to tout his tariff strategy on the campaign trail, scrutiny over the real numbers behind these claims is likely to intensify.